New Resident Guide
City Hall 415 Elm Grove Lane Hazelwood, MO 6304 (314) 839-3700 www.hazelwoodmo.org
- 1 - Table of Contents
Mayor and Council Page 3
City History Page 4
City Statistics Page 6
City Departments Page 7
City Services Page 10
Phone Numbers to Know Page 11
School Districts Page 12
Frequently Asked Questions Page 13
Ward Map Page 14
Parks & Recreation Facilities Page 15
- 2 - Welcome to the City of Hazelwood!
We are glad that you decided to make our beautiful City your new “hometown”. A Safe and Great City to Live, Work and Play!
The information contained in this guide will help you become familiar with our many fine amenities. It will also provide you with valuable information about City services, important phone numbers and frequently asked questions.
As the St. Louis County area continues to grow at a tremendous rate, Hazelwood City government employees are working hard to make sure you get the most for your tax dollars. As a resident, we encourage you to play an active role in the governing process. We invite you to attend City Council meetings which are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.
Sincerely,
Matthew G. Robinson, Mayor [email protected] (314) 839-3700
Ward 1 Ward 5 Carol A. Stroker Lisa M. Matlock [email protected] [email protected] (314) 839-3700 (314) 839-3700 Ward 2 Ward 6 Robert M. Aubuchon Warren H. Taylor [email protected] [email protected] (314) 837-3209 (314) 524-1119 Ward 3 Ward 7 Don Ryan Rosalie M. Hendon [email protected] [email protected] (314) 921-3652 (314) 731-5860 Ward 4 Ward 8 Daniel T. Herin Mary G. Singleton [email protected] [email protected] (314) 839-3700 (314) 831-7518
- 3 - City of Hazelwood History
Hazelwood’s colorful history began in 1673 with the discovery of the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers by French explorers Louis Joliet and Father Jacques Marquette. LaSalle, another French explorer claimed the area for France and named it “Louisiana” after King Louis XIV. In 1762, the land was sold by the French to Spain. The Spanish government offered large land grants to pioneers. Settlers from Charlottesville, Virginia, populated the Spanish owned territory, now known as the City of Hazelwood, in 1797 to farm its rich soils.
The Spanish government returned the land to France in 1800. It was sold by Napoleon to the United States in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase. Missouri, at the time a slave state, became the 24th state of the Union in 1821.
As legend has it, in 1828 Senator Henry Clay of Kentucky was in St. Louis on a campaign visit. During his stay, he was invited by Major Richard Graham to spend several days at his farm. Upon his arrival, Senator Clay looked out over the orchards and well-tended fields and exclaimed to his host, “Ah Sir, this so much reminds me of Hazelwood, my Kentucky states!” The story continues that after Senator Clay’s departure, Major Graham called his own land Hazelwood Farms, for which Hazelwood Avenue eventually was named. In later years the title would influence the selection of a name for the Village.
During the Civil War, 1861-1865, almost no state was as divided as the State of Missouri. Nearly all of the settlers owned slaves in this area. Eighty percent of the citizens were Pro-South in their sympathies. Some of the citizens’ homes were confiscated by Union forces. Homes were divided and people were thrown into prison.
After the Civil War, property and many of the homes confiscated by the Union forces were returned to the people by President Lincoln. There was once again much farming, fur trading and horse breeding in the area.
The years between the Civil War and the beginning of our modern era were peaceful and profitable times for Hazelwood area residents. By the end of 1947, six hundred acres of land were occupies by a new $8 million dollar Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant and an extensive Wabash Transit Company industrial development.
By 1944, Florissant was 158 years old, and had no plans for further growth. In 1948, an ordinance was approved by the Florissant City Council to annex the adjacent industrial properties and farmland contiguous to them. Area farmers upset by the ordinance joined forces to form the Florissant Valley Protective Association and fight the annexation.
- 4 - After two years of legal maneuvering before three courts, the Association was victorious. In 1948, the Association’s attorney advised them to petition the court for permission to incorporate its area into a village. There were 55 registered voters in the area and 53, all farmers, signed the petition. The petition was filed with the court, which ruled that it now took precedence over the Florissant ordinance of annexation.
The Association’s petition to incorporate the area into a village was accepted by the St. Louis County Court in 1949. The legend of Hazelwood Farms had been remembered by the petitioners, and there came into being the Village of Hazelwood.
In 1953, a municipal building was constructed at 9140 Pershall Road. This building served as the Hazelwood Village Hall and also housed the Police and Fire Departments.
Between 1950 and 1960, the population of the Village of Hazelwood grew from 336 residents to 6,045. A trend toward development had begun. Farmlands were parceled into subdivisions, numerous business and industrial concerns were attracted to this growing community served by air, rail and highway transportation. In the 1950s, the Metropolitan Sewer District was formed, alleviating sanitary and storm water sewer problems. Large shopping centers began to replace individual grocer, department and convenience stores in strategic population centers. Village Square, the first modern shopping center in North St. Louis County, opened in 1958.
By 1969 the population of Hazelwood had grown large enough to be considered for City status. Such a change in government structure would give Hazelwood greatly expanded powers and authority.
Hazelwood citizens elected 13 Freeholders to serve as a Charter Commission to draft a charter, which would serve as Hazelwood’s constitution. The proposed charter was submitted to the voters and overwhelmingly adopted on October 14, 1969, making Hazelwood a Constitutional Charter City, effective April 7, 1970, when the first Mayor and six Ward Council Members took office. Under Hazelwood’s Charter, a City Manager is the administrative officer for the City.
Through several annexations, the City of Hazelwood has increased its population from 14,082 in 1970 to 25,703 in 2010. The population increase and greater demand of municipal services has caused City Hall to move several times from the location on Pershall Road to North Lindbergh Boulevard, and finally to its current location at 415 Elm Grove Lane in June of 1984.
Always progressive, Hazelwood was the first City in St. Louis County to make cable television available to its residents in 1979.
A quilt depicting the City’s history is on display in City Hall.
The City of Hazelwood offers shopping centers, vehicle sales, complete banking services, doctors, restaurants, hotels, churches of many denominations, and AAA rated school districts.
- 5 - City Statistics
City Population Recreation Centers ...... 2 2010 Census ...... 25,703 Parks ...... 16 Male ...... 12,085 Acres of Park Land ...... 179 Female ...... 13,618 Caucasian ...... 16,484 Fire Insurance Rating ...... 3 African/American ...... 7,835 Other ...... 1,518 Total Housing Units ...... 11,730 Median Age ...... 36.8 Assessed Property Valuation Major Highways 2020 ……………………. $509,714,707 U.S. 67 (Lindbergh Boulevard) Interstate 170 Property Tax/$100 Assessed Value Interstate 270 2020 Residential ……………….. $.989 Highway 370 2020 Agricultural ……………... $.905 2020 Commercial ……………... $.992 Arterials 2020 Personal Property ……….. $.976 Aubuchon Road/Charbonier Road Dunn Road Commercial Utility Tax Rate Hanley Road 2020 ………………………………. 6% Howdershell Road McDonnell Boulevard Major Health Care Facilities Missouri Bottom Road Christian Hospital Northeast Pershall Road De Paul Health Center Taylor Road
- 6 - City Departments City Manager
The City Manager is the Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Hazelwood. The City Manager is responsible for all operations of the City. The City Manager also advises the City Council on matters of policy and implements all City Council decisions. The City’s Manager’s office includes the following programs and services: human relations, community and economic development, communications, and planning and zoning. Administering the floodplain program and liaison with FEMA also falls under the City Manager’s responsibilities. Municipal Court
The Hazelwood Municipal Court is a division of the St. Louis County Circuit Court. It adjudicates cases involving ordinance violations that occur within the City. The Court also maintains a Traffic Violations Bureau allowing fines for certain violations to be paid without a court appearance. City Clerk
The City Clerk's office is responsible for maintaining all official records of the City; preparing and coordinating the codifying of Ordinances adopted by the City Council; conducting municipal elections; processing all Special Land Use Permits, Rezoning and Subdivision Petitions and Liquor License applications; processing all correspondence for the City Council; recording, preparing and keeping the minutes; receiving and distributing communications directed to the Council; attesting to, indexing and filing ordinances, proclamations and resolutions; giving oaths of office; certifying elections; maintaining the City of Hazelwood Code Book and other internal manuals; fulfilling record requests and responding to inquiries from citizens and organizations, and coordinating all public hearings, legal notices and litigation for the City. The City Clerk also serves as liaison and Secretary for the City's Board of Adjustment, Architectural Board of Review, Board of Appeals and the Board of Review. Legal Department
The Legal Department provides legal services to the City. The department is headed by the City Attorney. In addition to providing legal services for the City, the Legal Department also oversees the prosecution of ordinance violations in the City’s Municipal Court. Finance
The Finance Department is a four person office headed by the Finance Director. The department is responsible for processing monthly financial statements and a Comprehensive Annual Report, establishing and implementing control procedures, investing idle funds, processing all City expenditures, bi-weekly payrolls, monitoring payroll procedures, annual business licenses and coordinating annual budget preparation. The - 7 - Government Finance Officers Association has awarded the prestigious Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting every year beginning in 1998. In addition, the Finance Department provides pet tags, which are required, and pet releases. Police Department
The Hazelwood Police Department has the reputation of being one of the best law enforcement agencies in St. Louis County. Its primary functions are the protection of life and property, the preservation of peace and order, safe movement of traffic, provision for emergency service and the delivery of effective and efficient quality service. The Department consists of 67 sworn police officers, 15 full-time civilians and 5 part-time civilians who are committed to “Proactive Neighborhood Problem Solving”. The organization is structured, managed, and operated in a manner which supports the efforts of the neighborhood patrol officers and encourages a cooperative approach to solving neighborhood problems. To maintain the organizational philosophy and to ensure an efficient and effective law enforcement delivery system, the Department is organized into nine (9) operational teams, six (6) teams in the Neighborhood Patrol Group and three (3) teams in the Neighborhood Support Group and eight (8) Support Units, under the counsel of the Chief of Police. Fire Department
The state-of-the-art Hazelwood Fire Department is responsible for providing fire protection, all types of rescue and emergency response, emergency management, and paramedic-equipped emergency medical service, including ambulance transportation. The Department is staffed with dedicated, highly trained and certified paramedics, firefighters, and technical rescue personnel. The Department proudly maintains a Class 2 fire service rating which is among the best in the county. In addition to the Hazelwood Fire Department itself, which responds to every structural fire call within the City limits, some parts of the City are protected by Florissant Valley Fire Protection District on the north and Robertson Fire Protection District on the southwest. The Fire Department offers many services in addition to fire protection and emergency medical service, such as the following: child safety seat installations; home safety inspections; free smoke detectors for those in need; and bicycle safety helmets. The Department also has programs available for those citizens who want to be involved in the community. Our Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) offers a chance to learn how to help yourself and neighbors in a time of disaster. The Hazelwood Emergency Communications Team (HECT) is comprised of citizens who are ham radio operators dedicated to help in times of emergency. The Fire Explorer Scouting program is sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America and allows teenagers to be involved in their community while learning some of the skills of a firefighter. To become involved, or for more information on any of the Department’s services, call the Fire Chief at (314) 731-3424.
- 8 - Public Works The Public Works Department consists of Administration, Code Enforcement Division, Street and Park Maintenance Division and the Parks & Recreation Division. The Public Works Director is a registered professional engineer who also serves as the City Engineer, and administers the above Divisions, solid waste program and the sewer lateral repair program. Code Enforcement
The purpose of the Code Enforcement Division is to promote and improve the health, safety and welfare of the citizens and occupants of Hazelwood through an effective and diligent pro-active code compliance program. City Code Enforcement Officers are responsible for the enforcement of Hazelwood codes, ordinances and regulations, including but not limited to Building Codes and Ordinances, Residential and Commercial Occupancy Permit Program, Minimum Housing and Nuisance Violations. Recreation
The Parks and Recreation Division’s mission is to provide quality services to the residents and guests who use and visit the City’s parks and recreation facilities. Our vision is to have local patrons view us as a vital source for the use of their leisure time and the enhancement of their quality of life. The City operates two major recreation centers - the Hazelwood Community Center, 1186 Teson Road, and Civic Center East, 8969 Dunn Road. It also manages the White Birch Bay Aquatic Center, Missouri's first 18 hole Disc Golf Course, the Hazelwood Sports Complex, the Spray Ground at Musick Park and 16 community parks which feature picnic pavilions, play areas, fitness courses and sport fields. Street and Park Maintenance
The Street and Parks Maintenance Division is responsible for the maintenance and repair of all streets, parks, city owned buildings, vehicles, street signs, snow removal, brush chipping, leaf collection, rat abatement and other duties and emergencies as they arise. The Division also administers the Contract with St. Louis County for mosquito and vector control.
- 9 - City Services
Home Improvement Program
The City’s federally funded Home Improvement Plan is offers up to $5,000 in home repairs for eligible homeowners at NO COST. To be eligible, you must own and live in your home, your property taxes must be current, and you must meet the required income limits. For more information, please contact the St. Louis County Home Improvement Program office at (314) 615-8232. Sewer Lateral Program
The Cy itof Hazelwood’s Sewer Lateral Program is a reimbursement program to assist residents with failed sewer lateral lines. If eligible for the pr ogram, the City will reimburse 90% of the c ost of camera work for a failed line, and 90% of repair work for the failed lateral line. For eligibility requirements and application information, please visit the City’s website at www.hazelwoodmo.org/277/Sewer-Lateral-Program.
Tree Planting Program
The purpose of the City Tree Planting Program is to assist the residents of the City in beautifying their living area, and the City itself, by planting decorative, non-fruit bearing trees. Each resident will receive partial monetary compensation in planting two trees per living unit on their property. After each tree is purchased and planted properly, the City will refund to the resident one half the cost of the purchase, up to a maximum of $20 per tree. More information can be found on the City's website at www.hazelwoodmo.org/280/Tree-Planting-Program.
- 10 - Phone Numbers to Know
Emergency Police, Fire, Ambulance and All Emergencies 911
Non-Emergency Police (314) 838-5000 Fire (314) 731-3424
City Facilities City Hall (314) 839-3700 Police Department (314) 838-5000 Fire Department – Station #1 (314) 731-1100 Fire Department – Administration/Station #2 (314) 731-3424 Street/Park Maintenance (314) 731-8701 Community Center (314) 731-0980 Civic Center East (314) 839-5575
City Information General Information (314) 839-3700 Animal Control (314) 838-5000 Building Permits/Inspections (314) 513-5033 Commercial Occupancy Permits/Inspections (314) 513-5033 Residential Occupancy Permits/Inspections (314) 513-5032 Code Enforcement (314) 513-5032/(314) 513-5033 Business Licenses/Taxes/Pet Tags (314) 513-5042 City Council/Elections/Ordinances (314) 513-5020 Municipal Courts (314) 839-2212 Human Resources (314) 513-5015
Other Services Florissant Valley Fire Protection District (314) 837-4894 Robertson Fire Protection District (314) 291-6671 St. Louis County Government Center (314) 615-5000 Prairie Commons Library (314) 994-3300
Utilities Ameren UE (314) 342-1000 Missouri American Water (866) 430-0820 MSD (314) 768-6260 Republic Services (636) 947-5959 Spire (314) 621-6960
- 11 - School Districts
Hazelwood School District Administration Center Transportation Center 15995 New Halls Ferry Road 15795 New Halls Ferry Road Florissant, MO 63031 Florissant, MO 63031 (314) 953-500 (314) 953-5950
Elementary Schools Armstrong 6255 Howdershell Road (314) 953-4000 Garrett 1400 Ville Rosa Lane (314) 953-4200 McNair 585 Coachway Lane (314) 953-4700 Russell 7350 Howderhsell Road (314) 953-4750
Middle & High Schools Hazelwood West Middle 12834 Missouri Bottom Road (314) 953-7800 Hazelwood West Senior High #1 Wildcat Lane (314) 953-5800
Ferguson-Florissant School District
Administration Center Transporatation Center 1005 Waterford Drive 1896 South Florissant Road Florissant, MO 63033 Florissant, MO 63121 (314) 506-9000 (314) 506-9370
Middle Schools Cross Keys Middle 14205 Cougar Road (314) 506-9700 Ferguson Middle 701 January Avenue (314) 506-9600
High Schools McCluer North 705 Waterford Center (314) 506-9200 McCluer Senior 1896 South Florissant (314) 506-9400
- 12 - Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I get my required occupancy inspection and permit? Residents can obtain occupancy inspections and permits from the Public Works Department at City Hall, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call (314) 513-5032.
Where do I get a Hazelwood resident card? Resident cards can be processed at the Community Center. Residents must bring picture identification and proof of residency within the last 30 days.
How do I find out if I need a building permit? Residents should call the Public Works Department at City Hall at (314) 513-5033.
When is bulky trash pick-up in my neighborhood? Bulky trash collection is available from Republic Services. Call (636) 947-5959 for more information.
Where do I take yard waste? Curbside collection of yard waste is available from Republic Services. Call (636) 947-5959 for more information.
Where can I obtain an accident report or police report? Accident reports and police reports may be obtained, for a fee, from the Police Records office at City Hall.
Where do I pay a City of Hazelwood ticket? You may pay ticket fines at the Municipal Courts Division at City Hall, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on scheduled Court days. How many dogs or cats can I have? Only two (2) dogs and one (1) cat, or two (2) cats and one (1) dog, are allowed on any individual property.
Where do I get the required pet tag? Residents can obtain a form for a pet tag from the Finance Department in City Hall. Residents must provide a copy of current rabies vaccination.
Do I need a license for my home business? Yes, a Home Occupation License is required. Contact the Finance Department at City Hall at (314) 513-5042 for more information.
- 13 - Ward Map
- 14 - Parks & Recreation Facilities
Aubuchon Park – 161 St. Cin Lane Birchwood Park – 202 Connolly Drive Brookes Park – 420 Brookes Drive Civic Center East – 8969 Dunn Road Community Center – 1186 Teson Road Friendship Park – 5140 Auriesville Lane Harry S Truman Park – 7037 Howdershell Road Howdershell Park – 6800 Howdershell Road Little White Birch Park – 436 Coachway Lane Musick Park – 8617 Latty Avenue Pershall Park – 6095 Fee Fee Road Queen Ann Park – 300 Chez Paree Drive Red Bud Park – 1623 Cork Court Rock Pointe Park – 5153 Auriesville Lane Sports Complex – 4622 Aubuchon Road St. Cin Park – 135 St. Cin Lane White Birch Park – 1186 Teson Road Wildflower Park – 5159 Ville Maria Lane Wildlife Park – 1565 Ville Rosa Lane
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